Employment and Housing Interventions for Community Violence and Firearm Injury Prevention

The City of New Haven's Office of Violence Prevention, backed by funding from the Department of Public Health, is soliciting proposals through a Request for Proposals (RFP 2025-RFP-CNH-305) to support employment and housing services as critical strategies to prevent and intervene in violence and firearm-related injuries. This initiative targets organizations capable of delivering trauma-informed, equity-centered services aimed at addressing underlying social and economic determinants of community violence. By increasing access to stable employment and safe, affordable housing, selected providers are expected to promote stability, reduce risks of violence and recidivism, and enhance long-term safety and wellbeing for individuals and neighborhoods most affected by firearm-related harm. The City’s intent with this investment is to augment community-based violence prevention efforts, apply public health approaches to violence reduction, and foster safer, more resilient communities across New Haven, Connecticut. Proposals must be submitted by March 3, 2026, and the solicitation is managed by the Community Services Administration of Connecticut, with primary contacts including the Violence Prevention Program Manager and a Procurement Specialist. Awardees will engage under professional or ARPA-funded service agreements that outline comprehensive compliance requirements, including federal regulations and reporting standards, especially for contracts utilizing American Rescue Plan Act funds. Contractual terms emphasize clear scopes of service, compensation arrangements, insurance, deliverables, termination rights, and equitable employment obligations. Evaluation criteria for proposals will consider cost effectiveness alongside programmatic feasibility, innovation, and the capacity to meet City objectives for violence intervention through sustainable economic and housing supports. This integrated approach underscores New Haven’s commitment to addressing community violence via upstream social determinants, leveraging federal resources, and fostering partnerships that prioritize equity and public health-driven solutions.